Blue Mountains News

Blue Mountains Benefit from NSW Budget

Source: Shayne Mallard Member of the Legislative Council

Archived 19 Aug 2018 - Posted: 20 Jun 2018

The NSW Liberal Government released the 2018/19 Budget with a record $3.9 billion surplus and no net debt. Included in the budget is record investment in families, communities as well as infrastructure.

Government Member of the Legislative Council Shayne Mallard MP said the outstanding budget position was a result of fiscal discipline, determination and the vision the NSW Liberal government has brought to the State.

“The NSW Budget position and initiatives are a far cry from when we came to government in 2011” Mr Mallard said.

“Labor left NSW in a financial mess with huge debt and no infrastructure investment. Contrary to Labor fake news, the recycling of assets and reinvestment of those funds has grown the NSW public assets to reach a record quarter of a trillion dollars.”

For the people of the Blue Mountains the budget contains capital and maintenance investments as well as budget allocations that benefit various related areas.

“Blue Mountains will benefit with more than $68 million allocated to projects and maintenance across the community” Mr Mallard said.

“This includes over $11 million for road improvements including safety improvements on the Great Western Highway between Katoomba and Mount Victoria.”

“The budget also allocates over $600,000 in grants to the Blue Mountains City Council for road maintenance and lighting subsidy.”

As the new state of the art intercity rail fleet prepares to roll out from Lithgow to Wollongong and Newcastle the budget allocates a record $38 million major capital maintenance and a further $18 million for routine train and rail maintenance over the Mountains line.

“Blue Mountains commuters will be pleased to see a further $495 million allocated to the continued purchase of the new fleet of 500 state of the art interurban carriages.”

“Contrary to one of Labor’s favourite fake news stories, the Liberal government is strategically delivering the infrastructure upgrades to accommodate the new fleet as planned.”

Mr Mallard challenged the local Labor Member to acknowledge that this budget delivers for the people of the Blue Mountains.

“With record low unemployment and jobs growth, a healthy budget surplus and investment in communities, families and infrastructure with tax cuts for small businesses, all members of Parliament should be pleased with the Liberal State budget” Mr Mallard concluded.